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iIOeSE TRAINING 

BY 

MODERN METHODS 

POPE 




Copyright^ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



Horse Training 

by 

Modern Methods 



BY 

Allan Melvill Pope, 

First Lieutenant of Cavalry, U. S. Army. 



FRANKLIN HUDSON PUBLISHING CO. 

KANSAS CITY, MO. 

1912. 



Copyright, 1912, 

By Frankliu Hudson Publishing Co. 

Kansas City, Mo. 



o 

A 2 1 - . j 7 



FOREWORD. 



The object of this book is to arrange in the most 
convenient, clear and concise form the modern system 
of horse-training, in so. far as it is applicable to the train- 
ing of horses in the mounted service of the United States- 
No attempt has been made in any case to improve 
upon methods already deemed correct by the best horse- 
men ; and as such methods can be found dealing with all 
points of training, it follows that the subject matter in 
this book is not original. Where the best was to be 
found, there it has been sought, and where the authors 
of previous works have expressed their ideas in language 
considered the most concise and clear, their words have 
been copied verbatim, with due acknowledgement to the 
authors. 

I am indebted to the following for methods, theories, 
translation of technical terms, and improvised commands 
herein contained : 

To Major George H. Cameron, 14th Cavalry, 
Captain W. C. Short, 13th Cavalry, 
3 



4 Foreword. 

Captain Guy V. Henry, Cavalry, 

ist Lieutenant Gordon Johnston, Cavalry, 

ist Lieutenant Joseph F. Taulbee, 2d Cavalry, 

The late Captain M. Horace Hayes, F.R.C.V.S., 

Edward L. Anderson, 

James Fillis, 

Captain de Saint-Phalle, 

Notes d'EqiMtation-Carouseles Militaire, 

Saumnr Notes (English translation of the above) : 

and to Col. Haddens W. Jones, 10th Cavalry, for valuable 

assistance and advice. 



s 



PREFACE 

Nothing within this book is believed to be beyond 
the reach of the mounted service in general. 

The time allotted to "breaking" or gentling will be in 
many cases eliminated, as the present system of remount 
stations has become well established. 

Each troop should have three or four such articles 
as longes and cavessons. These articles can be made 
very easily by saddlers and blacksmiths, from a model. 
Models can undoubtedly be procured through the Mount- 
ed Service School at Fort Riley, Kansas, or from any 
saddlery store, care being taken in purchasing from the 
latter to determine whether the model is a correct one 
or not. 

In many cases the reasons for the use of certain 
aids, etc., are apparent, and all explanation is omitted. 
In other cases, where explanations involve nice points of 
mechanics, etc., they have likewise been omitted. The 
reason for the latter omissions bdng, that they are in- 

5 



6 Preface. 

teresting to the student only. The real student of horse- 
training can only be one who enjoys such work. Many 
officers do not enjoy it, and this book is intended for all. 

In view of the fact that all the methods embodied 
herein are well-recognized methods, I trust readers will 
take for granted that they conform to the mechanical 
principles, etc., omitted. 

As riding cannot be taught by books, no attempt 
is made to do so here. Officers instructed in riding at 
the Mounted Service School are returned to their reg- 
iments every year, where, by their example and ability to 
instruct, they can accomplish far more than any liter- 
ature on the subject; but where riding, as regards the 
seat, cannot be readily forgotten, points of training a 
horse can; and it is for such as forget, or for such as 
have had nothing or little to forget, that this book is 
intended. 

As to riding, it might be of interest, however, to 
some to note that the following cautions have been found 
to be a frequent necessity while training horses with en- 
listed men up: 



Preface. 7 

Don't yank upon your horse's mouth. 

Keep your hands low and your wrists supple. 

Don't stick your knees up in the air. 

Grip with your knees and the calf of your leg. 

Let your stirrups out (for most men). 

Carry your legs back. 

Don't let your reins flop. 

Don't hollow out your back. 

Don't let your horse back up (unless the movement 
is a retrograde one). 

Drive him forward. 

Don't let him bend his neck at the shoulder. 

Use your leg (or legs). 

Don't be rough with your horse. 

New horses sent to a post should be turned over to 
one competent officer with assistants, if necessary, for 
training, li necessary to assign them to troops to assure 
proper care and grooming, orders should be given that 
they be exercised only by direction of the officer in 
charge. Enlisted men specially suited for training horses 
should be detailed under the above-named officer's di- 



8 Preface. 

rection. Only such enlisted men should be detailed who 
will not be discharged or detailed on other duty until 
the training ceases. The training should continue for 
not less than six months. Horses should, when possible, 
be assigned trainers who belong to the organization to 
which the horses are assigned, the rider being assured, 
if pos;ible, that the horse will be assigned to him after 
the training is over. 

Two officers can train with reasonable satisfaction 
seventy-five horses, if given one hour and a half per day 
six days a week, in the riding-hall. As the number ot" 
horses in the riding-hall at a time gj over fifteen th.2 
difficulties increase. 

In case it be impossible for new horses tj to be un- 
der the direction of one officer, organization commanders 
should keep the horses out of ranks an equal period, and 
undertake the same training with competent men. 

Hard-trotting, uncontrollable horses, uncomfortable 
t ride and weak in muscular activity, result from lack of 
training. 



Preface. 9 

From practical work with enlisted men, it has been 
found that there is little difficulty in teaching them the 
kinds of aids, with their proper names, and the use and 
form the various exercises take. The manner in which 
they apply their aids and perform the exercises varies 
with the individual's ability to ride and aptitude for 
training. 

When Part II. is undertaken, the difficulties increase. 
The difficulties do not lie in the use of the double rein, 
which the men soon become accustomed to, but in un- 
derstanding the flexions and the delicate use of the aids 
required in these exercises and in the changes of lead 
at the gallop. 

As hands are a most important element in Part II., 
it is not surprising that men who have ridden perhaps 
less than three years should have difficulty. 

Part II. should not be abandoned, either because of 
the difficulties inherent to the exercises or because of the 
lack of proper equipment. The use of a double bridle 
improvised from a watering bridle and a regulation bit 



io Preface. 

is preferable to the use of a single curb immediately suc- 
ceeding the work with the snaffle alone. 

To some it may seem that confusion exists as to ar- 
rangement of the facts. The scheme of arrangement is 
as follows : 

A man, in training a horse, can begin work on the 
horse with what he finds in the beginning of this book, 
and as the horse progresses he need only progress in his 
reading to find new exercises. Certain definitions and 
explanations are requisite to a proper understanding of 
an exercise. These are necessarily interpolated. 

If the reader will consider the difficulties in setting 
forth such facts in a logical sequence, he will perhaps 
be more lenient in his criticisms of this book, although 

criticism is expected and sought. 

A. M. P. 
Manlius, N. Y., August, icjti. 



CHAPTER I. 



Early Handling. 

Object of Training.— Horse-training is a series of 
exercises to render the horse obedient and at the same 
time to preserve and develop his inherent qualities. It 
is a muscular training which by suppling the parts will 
strengthen the entire body, and by balancing the horse 
will develop harmony in his movements. 

New Horses. — New horses should be exercised dai- 
ly, at first being led by men on foot, and later by men 
mounted on quiet horses. The exercise should be at a 
walk, and is used to quiet and strengthen the animals. 
When leading a young horse mounted, the side upon 
which he is led should often be changed to avoid giving 
a false set to the neck. 

Care of Nezv Horses. — The young horse should have 
flannel bandages on his forelegs when exercised, from 
the fetlock to the knee, to support the flexor tendons and 



12 Horse; Training by Modern Methods. 



to keep the horse from hitting himself, thereby often cau >- 
ing splints. 

After exercising, the legs should be rubbed and the 
tendons massaged, then washed with cool water and flan- 
nel bandages applied. The tendons are thereby support- 
ed and wind-puffs and swellings prevented. 

Hozv to Adjust a Bandage. — A bandage should be 
wound up with the tapes inside. Unroll six or eight inch- 
es of it, and lay this loose portion obliquely across the 
outside of the leg, close to the knee, with the end reach- 
ing to about the center of that joint, and the rolled-up 
part turned to the outside, and directed downward an 1 
forward. The bandaging should be continued aroun 1 
the fetlock and upper part of the pastern, and brought 
back close up below the knee. The loose end is then 
turned down, and the folds of the bandage carried ove:* 
it. The tapes are tied a little above the center of the 
cannon bone. (Hayes.) 

To Approach an Uncertain Horse. — To go up tj 
an uncertain horse which is held or tied up in the 
open, approach the foreleg on the near side at an 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 13 

angle of about 70 degrees to the direction of the axis of 
the horse. Having reached his shoulder, place a hand 
on his crest and stroke the mane. When a certain de- 
gree of confidence is restored to the horse, further hand- 
ling may be undertaken. 

To Lead a Horse with the Snaffle, and to Adjust 
Snaffle. — To lead a horse with a snaffle mounted or dis- 
mounted, pass both reins through the near snaffle ring 
if the horse is to be on the off side. In placng the snaffle 
bridle upon a fractious horse, place the reins first over 
the neck, if possible- If the horse objects to having 
the head-stall put on, unfasten the left cheek-strap from 
the ring of the snaffle. Place the head-stall in position, 
then put the bit in the mouth and refasten the cheek- 
strap. If impracticable to remove the halter before 
bridling the horse, place the bridle on over the halter, 
then unfasten the halter, slip the nose-band down over 
the nostrils, then irrto the mouth and around under the 
bit and out of the mouth. The halter will then fall off. 

Longeing. — The following principles must be con- 
sidered when longeing: 



14 Horse Training by Modicrn Methods. 

i. The horse must be controlled by the longe; the 
only function of the whip is to move the horse forward. 

2. The length of the longe should be frequently 
changed. The horse should alternately stretch himself 
on a large circle and bend himself on a small circle. 

3. The gaits should frequently be changed. (Notes 
d 'Equitation.) 

Method of Longcing a Horse. — Start the longe- 
ing exercise without the longeing whip. Place the 
cavesson on the horse, if possible, after the halter has 
been removed, or, if a bridle is on the horse, over the 
bridle. Fasten the longe into the ring of the cavesson. 
Face the same way the horse faces and walk near his 
head, leading him by a short longe in a circle to the left ; 
right hand on the longe near the horse's head, longe in 
the left hand, not coiled, but arranged so that in running 
out quickly it will not become entangled or pinch the 
fingers. 

If the horse refuses to lead, an assistant may urge 
him forward as quietly as possible from the rear. As 
the horse becomes accustomed to being led, gradually 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 15 

lengthen the longe and drop back slightly from the head 
of the horse, toward his shoulders. Cluck to the horse 
to urge him forward. Use the hand to make motions 
for the same purpose or tap him lightly with the han I 
on his side, in case the horse refuses to go forward. If 
the horse turns toward the trainer, shake the longe so 
that it lightly taps the nose on the side of the horse 
which should be toward the center of the circle. Grad- 
ually, as the horse learns what is wanted, the trainer 
moves so that the horse circles about him, first at a slow 
gait, then at the trot, and finally when more proficient, 
at the canter and gallop. 

To slow down the gait, use the voice soothingly and 
shake the longe up and down gently. To stop the horse, 
a series of motions of the longe up and down, with a 
strong pull on the longe as it comes down, will have the 
greatest effect. The word "whoa" should frequently 
be used in this movement. When the horse obeys, he 
should be caressed. 

When a horse will go to the left on the longe, even 
at the walk, he should be practiced going to the right un- 



1 6 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

til equally capable on that hand. A horse should not be 
longed until fatigued. 

Use of the Longe. — 

1. To exercise young horses without injury. 

2. To give first lessons to horses difficult to manage. 

3. For horses that hold back or fight. 

4. For horses with one shoulder more developed 
than the other. 

5. For horses that will not work equally well on 
either hand. 

6. For horses that bend themselves with difficulty. 

7. For the first lessons in jumping. (Notes d' Equi- 
tation.) 

The Snaffle Bit. — As early as possible, a bridle and 
snaffle bit should be put on the horse. 

The snaffle is a very mild bit because it acts mostly 
on the lips and only a little on the bars. The faults of 
the hand are therefore less prejudicial to the tender 
mouth of the new horse. When, in the course of train- 
ing, the horse becomes familiar with the snaffle bit, he 
may be prepared for the double bridle by the use of tVe 



Horse Training by ^Iodkrn Methods. 17 

double snaffle, a bit which is known not to be dangerous 
and which gives the rider more action upon the horse. 
The double snaffle should properly be composed of a 
snaffle without branches and a "Boucher" snaffle. The 
double snaffle also is useful in the ca>e of a horse that 
leans on the hands ; the remedy consisting, in this case, 
of producing action either by alternate effects which 
make each snaffle bit felt separately, or by cross-effects 
obtained by the action of one snaffh bit on one side and 
the other snaffle bit on the other side. 

Saddling Nezv Horses. — New horses should be made 
accustomed to equipment while they are first exercised 
by leading or when on the longe; first by the blanket and 
surcingle, then by the saddle being placed on their back. 
The saddle is put on first without stirrups, then with stir- 
rups crossed, and then with the stirrups hanging. The 
girth should at first be tightened slightly, and afterwards 
readjusted, if necessary, during the exercises. A nerv- 
ous horse should be longed a little before placing trn 
saddle on his back. 



1 8 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

A horse should not be mounted for the first time on 
the same day he is first saddled. 

Mounting the New Horse. — When first mounting, 
the rider should get into the saddle as handily and quick- 
ly as possible, without being particular as to exactness. 
An assistant stands facing the horse. The rider slaps 
the saddle, lets the stirrups drop against the sides of the 
horse, and then takes up the reins, leaving them very 
long. In case the horse backs up or tries to move away, 
the assistant leads him gently up to where he was before 
and the rider tries to mount again- 

If the rider believes that the horse will make violent 
resistances, he can insure his seat by having a rolled 
blanket strapped to the pommel of the saddle, to keep his 
knees in place. With a horse very difficult to mount, 
where there is danger of severe resistance, the horse 
should be snubbed up to a strong, quiet horse. Snubbing 
is only resorted to in cases where longeing and quiet 
handling have failed to bring about the desired results. 

With very restless animals, the assistants stand 
squarely in front of the horses and simply caress the 



Horse; Training by Modkrn Methods. 19 

animals' heads without holding the reins. If a horse is 
very restless-, and the cavesson has to be used, it should 
be in the hands of an experienced man. 

The following is a position often taken for mount- 
ing a restless animal: Take the reins of the snafrh in 
the left hand, and with the same hand catch hold of the 
mane at about the middle of the neck so that there is a 
slight tension on the reins. Take hold of the pommel 
of the saddle with the right hand and mount, taking care 
that the left toe does not touch the horse when mount- 
ing. Above all things, avoid bustling the horse when 
starting; for. if he is led to expect this, he will never 
stand quietly to be mounted. Sometimes feeding a horse 
oats from a pan while he is being mounted causes him 
to stand quietly. 

First Lessons after Mounting. — Never require any- 
thing from the horse mounted for the first time. If he 
walks stiaight ahead, it is sufficient. Keep the reins 
separated and feel lightly the snaffle. Ride the horse 
a few times around the hall to the right and to the left, 
leaving him as free as possible, if, of course, he is quiet. 



2o Horse: Training by Modern Methods. 

If the horse does well, dismount and feed him carrots, 
if they can be supplied, or a handful of oats. Carrots 
ought always be cut lengthwise and never across; in the 
latter case they might stick in the animal's throat. 

Resistances. — Among the most violent resistances 
are bucking and rearing. 

If the horse attempts to buck, press him forward 
with the legs and hold his head high. The rider is more 
easily displaced if the horse bucks in place. If the rider 
is not able to make the horse go forward, he should turn 
him to the right or left with the snaffle bit. As all 
horses have a soft and hard side to their mouths, when 
resistance is encountered in turning to the right, the at- 
tempt should be made to turn him to the left. 

When a horse rears, separate the reins, and take 
hold of the mane in the left hand at about the middle 
of the neck. Lean forward, and when the horse comes 
down again, push the body back into its place by quickly 
straightening the arm. 



CHAPTER II. 



Equilibrium. 

A little must be understood about equilibrium before 
the aids can properly be mastered. 

Direct Equilibrium. — This relates to the balance of 
the horse when the center of gravity is moved forward 
or backward. The fore legs of the horse are used for 
translation, (the Hind legs for propulsion. The horse 
naturally bears more weight upon his fore legs than upon 
his hind. The center of gravity, then, is nearer the fore 
quarters than the hind, which is therefore favorable to 
the forward movement of the horse. 

If the weight of the horse, by changing the position 
of parts of the body, brings the center of gravity to- 
wards the rear, it is more favorable for the backward 
movement. 

When the center of gravity is forward, the forelegs 
control the movement of the mass, and the hind legs 



22 Horse) Training by Modern Methods. 

merely propel. When the center of gravity moves back- 
ward, the hind legs become more and more masters of 
the control of the movement of the mass, and their ac- 
tion then is from the ground up as well as from rear to 
front as before. In other words, the movements gain 
in height. 

Position of a Horse for the Forzvard Movement. — 

1. When a horse wants to move forward, he natur- 
ally puts himself in the most favorable position; conse- 
quently he throws his weight forward to his shoulders, 
and, to do this, stretches out his head and neck. 

2. To obtain the forward movement and the ac- 
celerations in gait then, the rider must let the horse ex- 
tend and lower his head and neck; similarly he must 
raise them to obtain the slower gaits. 

3. A horse must always be ready to carry himself 
forward. This is the most important rule in equitation. 
The tendency to move forward is called "impulsion." 
Without impulsion we can have no influence over the 
direction. (De Saint-Phalle.) 



Horse: Training by Modern Methods. 23 

The horse must go into the bridle. Nearly every 
vice and resistance offered by a horse is preceded and 
made possible by the animal getting behind the bit; that 
is, he refuses to lace the bit, or take the pressure of the 
bit, so that the rider's hand can find nothing by which 
he can enforce his demands. (Anderson.) 

Lateral 'Equilibrium. — This relates to the balance of 
a horse when the center of gravity is moved sideways. 
It is a case where the horse is made to load one shoulder 
or one haunch or all one side more than the other. It 
is used for changes of direction, parallel displacements, 
etc. The horse being in motion, if we force him to car- 
ry the weight of his forehand to one side, the entire fore 
hand tends to be displaced to the same side. This dis- 
placement of the horse is obligatory if that of the center 
of gravity is sufficiently accentuated. 

The Aids. 
What Are the Aids? — The aids are the different 
means employed by the rider to convey his desires or 
intentions to the horse. (Notes d' Equitation.) 



24 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

The Legs. 

The Stirrups. — The stirrups should be so adjusted 
that the tread of the stirrup is level with the top of the 
heel when the rider is mounted and seated properly. 
When the stirrups are too long, as with the "fork seat," 
the rider is unable to use his legs with strength and ac- 
curacy. With the stirrups too short the rider's knees are 
too high, the seat is forced too far back and he is unabl i 
to sit down in the saddle; hence is less secure. 

Position of the Foot in the Stirrup. — At least one- 
third of the foot should be inserted in the stirrup; the 
1 eel should be slightly lower than the toe and the ball 
of the foot should rest upon the tread. (Notes d' Equi- 
tation.) 

The following are the uses to which the legs 
are put. 

i. To produce the forward movement. 

2. To range the haunches. 

3. To bring the hind legs forward under the body. 
The Equal Action of Both Legs. — The most import- 
ant duty of the legs is to act together for the purpose of 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 



^ 



giving or sustaining impulsion. This action should com- 
mand the forward movement and its acceleration. To 
obtain this result, the legs can act by simple pressure of 
the knees or by pressure of the knees and calves. The 
pressure of only the knees is sufficient with delicate 
horses, but with others the pressure of the calves has to 
be added to that of the knees. The more energetic the 
pressure and the farther behind the girths it is, the great- 
er the result produced. Usually the action of the leg is 
strong enough if it is placed against or a little in rear 
of the girth. Tf the action ther i is not sufficient, it 
may be carried back a little — never, however, to reach 
an angle of 45 degrees. The perfection to aim at is to 
have the leg move almost imperceptibly and vary its ef- 
fects only by different shades of p ensure; but with a 
horse that do?s not respond sufficiently to the demands, 
it becomes necessary to carry the leg back a little by 
bending the knee and keeping the heels low. The in- 
clination of the leg to an angle of 45 degrees is the very 
maximum, which it is unscientific and useless to pass or 
even to reach, so that i*" th Q action of the leg is not ef- 



26 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

ficacious under these conditions, we must turn to more 
energetic methods. But little trouble is experienced in 
teaching riders not to carry the legs too far back. The 
reverse is usually the case. 

The above method failing, the next to try is consec- 
utive thumpings with the calf of the leg, not very pro- 
nounced, but repeated until the result sought is obtained. 
At the instant the legs should cease their action, and 
should repeat it only when the need again is felt. 

If this means is not sufficient, there is nothing to do 
but come to blows with the legs. These are executed 
by slightly carrying to one side the calf and ramming 
it against the horse with a violence proportionate to the 
result to be obtained. This movement ought to be done 
without raising the knees or sticking them out, the lower 
part of the legs being independent of the rest of the body 
in order that the seat and the hand be not deranged. 
This manner of getting action upon the horse ought not 
to be continued for a long time, even if its effect is not 
sufficient or lasting. Like every violent movement, this 
one ought to be exceptional, and rather than repeat it 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 27 

frequently, it is better to have recourse to short, ener- 
getic action of the spurs. 

It is ver\ necessary to avoid the frequent fault of 
using the leg after sufficient action has been gotten out 
of the horse or of continuing the demands when they are 
already obeyed. Then the impulsion of the horse is aug- 
mented in a manner prejudicial to the desired result, 
which necessitates the action of the hand to oppose the 
augmented impulsion falsely ordered by the legs. 

Unequal Action of the Leas. — When one leg is used 
more than the other, the haunches are displaced to the 
opposite side. The horse is then said "to range his 
haunches." This effect is often useful in preventing the 
horse from slipping out sideways, in straightening him, 
and in making him change directions, etc. ; but its great- 
est utility lies in permitting the rider to range the haunch- 
es and traverse the horse, which movements are essential 
to the main instruction in the mental and physical sup- 
pling of the horse. 

The rules for the use of both legs apply equally well 
to the use of one leg, as regards place of contact and 



28 Horsi; Training by Modern Methods. 

manner of graduating the intensity of action. ("Equal 
Action of Both Legs and Unequal Action of the Leg," 
from "Elementary Equitation," by De Saint-Phalle.) 

To Bring the Hind Legs Fo>ward Under the 
Horse. — Due to contraction of the muscles produced by 
the tickling sensation of the le^ or spur upon the side, 
the horse mechanically brings his hind legs up under the 
body when so forced. This bringing up of the hind legs 
places the control of the movement of the mass in their 
power, because the center of gravity is nearer their base. 
Hence the leg movements become more elevated, the 
speed less fast, and the horse more handy and more eas- 
ily controlled. 

Mutual Support by the Legs. — If one leg acts to 
range the haunches, the other should receive the mass to 
limit and control the movement. Both legs should be at 
all times close enough to the horse to act accurately, 
quickly, and without abruptness in order to assist each 
other. 

When a Horse Is "Behind the Legs." — When a horse 
refuses to move forward after the equal action of both 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 



29 



legs is produced, he is said to be "behind the bit" and like 
wise "behind the legs." A horse in this state is beyond 
the control of the rider, and every means should be ex- 
erted to force the horse with the legs up into the bit 
again. 

The Spur. — The spur should not be used until the 
seat is secure. If the pressure of the calves of the legs 
is sufficient to command impulsion, the spur should not 
be resorted to. 

Resistances are provoked if the spur remains in the 
side continuously, and the animal becomes disobedient 
and on the defensive. Continued contact should be re- 
placed by repeated contacts of short duration of an inten- 
sity to fit the case. 

The length of the spur varies with the length of the 
stirrup leathers, the length of the leg of the rider, and 
the form of the horse. A general rule is that the spur 
should be of such a length as to be easily used with- 
out danger of unintentional usage during sudden dis- 
placements. 



30 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

The Reins. 

In the training of the horse the reins should be held 
in two hands. Single reins should be held as prescribed 
in the Cavalry Drill Regulations. 

The following important rule should always be ob- 
served : The pressure of the rider's legs, or of his heels, 
must always precede any action of the hand; in other 
words, the bit does not go back to the horse, but the horse 
goes forward against the bit. 

It has been shown that by the action of the legs im- 
pulsion is produced in the horse, which causes a stretch- 
ing of the neck to the front in order to begin or accel- 
erate the forward movement. If as the head and neck 
stretch out the forward movement of the bit in the mouth 
is arrested by the hand, the bit is brought into stronger 
contact with the bars of the mouth, which produces its 
action. The action of the reins is thus produced after 
the action of the legs has produced its effect. 

Kinds of Reins. (De Saint-Phalle.) 
Open Rein. — This rein is used in turning the horse. 
The right rein, for example, is said to be open if the 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 31 

right hand is carried to the right and front. Reins are 
so used for the particular effect they have upo:i the 
horse's head. The need of them is felt especially in the 
training of green horses, but also with a horse that re- 
fuses to turn and carries his head in the opposite direc- 
tion from that in which the rider desires him to go. 
When the right rein is open, the horse's head will be 
drawn to the right and he will be assisted in moving in 
that direction. 

Direct Rein. — This rein acts parallel to the axis of 
the horse without intermediary action upon the neck. 
Reins used in this manner bring a little of the weight to 
the side on which they act, which with an obedient horse 
suffices to make him turn to that side. It is also used 
in turning the horse's head at the poll so that the horse 
may look in the direction toward which he is going. 

Rein of Support. — The right rein, for example, is 
called the right rein of support when the right hand 
moves from right to left and the right rein hence bears 
against the neck. It has different effects according to 
the point towards which its action is directed. For ex- 



32 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

ample, if the hand is moved towards the front of or over 
the left shoulder, the effect is to bring the weight of the 
forehand towards that shoulder; or if the direction of 
the right rein of support passes in rear of the withers, 
the effect is felt by the increased weight on the left 
haunch; or if the action of the rein in this direction is 
sufficiently strong, it can either lead to the displacement 
of the haunches towards the left by setting the left 
shoulder, or displace simultaneously the shoulders and 
the haunches towards the left by pushing the horse en- 
tirely to that side. 

The effect of the re'n of support is extremely power- 
ful in preventing the horse from slipping out on its side, 
or in restraining the horse from turning in the opposite 
direction. 

Rein of Opposition. — If the rider opens the right 
rein slightly and pulls either in the direction of the right 
haunch or the direction of the left haunch, the rein is 
called the right rein of opposition. He is then said to 
set the shoulders in opposition to the haunches. (Notes 
d' Equitation.) 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 



33 



General Rule:— A general rule is, that at all times 
contact is kept with the mouth by the reins through the 
medium of the bit. The reins never flop. There are 
two exceptions to this rule allowable: during complete 
abandon, as at the walk; and momentarily, during flex- 
ions, as will be shown later. 

The Seat. — The seat is an aid when it changes the 
support of the body from one buttock to the other to 
assist the horse in lateral movements. This movement 
helps to carry the center of gravity of the horse to the 
side toward which the movement is des'red. Similarly 
an increase in the weight placed on one stirrup is an aid. 
The upper part of the body by leaning forward or 
bick likewise assists the horse in moving the center of 
gravity forward am! back. 



CHAPTER III. 



TriK Forward Movement. 

The horses being now able to be mounted, the fol- 
lowing exercises may be undertaken: 

The horses are taken into the riding-hall, if available, 
and the riders instructed to work without regard to dis- 
tances. It is a bad plan to work in groups, especially 
with young horses, as they soon become accustomed to 
remaining in ranks and refuse to leave. 

The forward movement, as has been stated, is the 
most important lesson in training, and it is continually 
taught during the entire course of instruction. 

The Walk. — To take the walk from the halt, both 
legs should be made to be felt, gradually increasing their 
intensity until the setting in motion is produced. The 
fingers and wrists give, to allow the neck to stretch out. 
The horse should be set in motion in the direction of his 

34 



Horsk Training by Modern Methods. 35 

axis by symmetrical use of the aids. The movement 
should be smooth, but without hesitancy. 

In order to keep the start from being sudden, the 
energy displayed in the use of the leg should conform to 
the degree of sensitiveness of the horse. The movement 
can be kept from being hesitatingly performed by pro- 
gressively, but without hesitancy, using such force as the 
legs should have, and by giving the reins with the fingers 
and wrist at the precise moment the neck tries to 
stretch out. 

The Trot. — This is the most advantageous gait to 
take during the first lessons, because: 

I. It starts the horse straight ahead and helps to 
bring him in hand. 

2r 'Horses are less restless at this gait. 

3. It is a natural pace. 

4. It is a good suppling exercise for the horse. 
The trot is not a fatiguing pace to the horse. He 

can go a long distance continuously at a fair rate of 
speed at this gait, because both fore and hind legs, re- 
spectively, have the same amount of work to do, and the 



36 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

body can be easily maintained in a state of equilibrium, 
as it is supported by diagonal supports. 

The rider, if in the flat saddle, except at slow gaits, 
should rise to the trot during this exercise. The diag- 
onal on which the rise is made should frequently be 
changed. 

The lightness of the horse only comes with further 
training. The rider up to this point tries little by lit- 
tle to bring the horse under control by the following 
exercises : 

i. Moving to the front at a walk, then a trot. 

2. Increasing and decreasing gaits. 

3. Halting. 

To Halt. — To execute this m ivement, lean back 
slightly and gradually increase the pressure of the bit 
on the mouth until the movement slows down and grad- 
ually steps. Roth legs should at the same time be carried 
back to assist the horse in bringing the haunches up under 
him. The horse should neither raise nor lower his head. 
The whole mass of the neck should move toward the 
withers. 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 37 

Halting the horse should often be practiced with 
horses posse- sing a high, powerful croup and with those 
inclined to forge ahead at all times. Those inclined to 
fret, those whose legs are well set up under them, and 
those that are difficult to keep up into the bit should sel- 
dom be halted. 

Especially during these lessons must the rider pay 
strict attention to the even tension of the rein. At first 
the rider must do all the work — that is, must tighten the 
reins; but later, the horse having become accustomed to 
the pressure of the bit and always having the idea of go- 
ing straight ahead, will of his own accord keep the reins 
taut. 

The Gallop. — Almost invariably the gallop lesson 
should be begun early. This is an additional means of 
suppling the horse, of strengthening him, extending him, 
and pushing him straight ahead. .It would be stupidity 
to gallop frequently on a colt that drags his legs and is 
disunited at a trot and that has difficulty in holding up 
the part essential to the training. On the other hand, 
it is proper to gallop repeatedly on a vigorous horse that 



$8 Horse Training r>v Modern Methods. 

has been worked before purchase, or on the horse with 
good strong legs, particularly after he lias been thorough- 
ly confirmed in the correct trot. (Notes cf Equitation.) 

To Take the Gallop by Extending the Trot. — To ac- 
complish this movement, the rider needs only to take the 
trot and by the use of both legs to push this gait up to 
the point where the horse leaves it to pass into the gallop. 

To accomplish this without undue increase of speed, 
put the horse on a circle of six or seven yards radius, 
first trot around this and then lengthen the trot until the 
horse escapes into the gallop. When he is calm and the 
rider feels confidence in himself, the rider may leave the 
circle and rejoin the track on the same hand. 

As long as the rider does not wish to make abrupt 
changes of direction, but gallops on a large circle or on 
the track, it makes little difference whether the horse is 
galloping true or false, and it is useless for the rider to 
bother about the leads at this stage of the training. (Dc 
Saint-Phalle.) 

When the horse begins to understand the gallop and 
lakes it calmK, the correct lead, which is explained on 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 39 

page 61, may be undertaken, at present, by the following 
aids : Both legs to increase the gait from the trot to the 
gallop ; outside rein to prevent the haunches from swing- 
ing to the outside and which precludes the liability to a 
false lead. 

(Note. — "Outside" always means the outside of a 
circle, or, if on the track, the side towards the wall.) 



CHAPTER IV., 



Mechanism of the Gaits. 
The Walk. — This is a movement of four beats, and 
is a pace in which all the legs move, respectively, one 
after the other. If, for instance, the left fore leads, the 
sequence is: 

1. Left fore. 

2. Right hind. 

3. Right fore. 

4. Left hind. 

If the near hind begins, it will be: 

1. Left hind. 

2. Left fore. 

3. Right hind. 

4. Right fore. 

Each foot comes to the ground after the one that 
precedes it at an interval of about half the time occupied 
taking one step. The result of this is that we have the 

following order of supports: 

40 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 41 

1. Right laterals (right fore and right hind). 

2. Right diagonals (right fore and left hind). 

3. Left laterals. 

4. Left diagonals. 

As a rule, a horse begins the walk with a fore leg. 
[Hayes.) 

The Trot. — This is a movement of two beats. The 
diagonal feet are on the ground at the same time. The 
crder of supports is: 

1. Right diagonal. 

2. Moment of suspension. 
j. Left diagonal. 

4. Moment of suspension. 

The Pace. — This is a movement of two beats, like 
the trot, except the support is by the laterals instead of 
•tVie diagonals. The order of supports is : 
j. Right lateral. 

2. Moment of suspension. 

3. Left lateral. 

4. Moment of suspension. 



42 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

The Gallop. — The gallop is an unsymmetrical gait 
of three beats. It is called unsymmetrical because the 
two front legs make dissimilar movements, likewise the 
two hind. Two different combinations take place, which 
are called 'gallop right'' and "gallop left." The moment 
of taking each new point of support is called a beat. 

In the gallop right the points of support are taken 
in the following order: 

1. Left hind. 

2. Left diagonal (left front, right hind). 

3. Right front. 

4. Moment of suspension. 
The gallop left is as follows: 

1. Right hind. 

2. Right diagonal (right front, left hind). 

3. Left front. 

4. Moment of suspension. 

A horse galloping right, for instance, seems to have 
the right legs always in front of the left. The rider can 
tell by seeing if the right shoulder is further advanced 
than the left. If the horse gallops right in front and left 
behind, the rider can feel an unusual stiff movement be- 
neath him. - 



CHAPTER V. 



Changes ok Direction. 

The horse being able to move forward and to de- 
crease and increase gaits with reasonable accuracy, 
changes of direction may be undertaken. 

First Bxetcise. — The horse being at the walk, force 
the horse forward with both legs, use the open rein, and 
i{ he moves off at an angle oblique to the original di- 
rection, although the divergence may be small, it is 
satisfactory. 

Second Exercise. — The horse being at the walk, use 
the right or left leg to help carry the haunches around 
to the left or right; use the right or left rein of opposi- 
tion to turn the horse to the right or left in a direction 
perpendicular to the original. The rein of opposition is 
used to combat the haunches with the shoulder. The 
horse cot yet knowing the meaning of the preponderant 
u>e of one leg of the rider, the shoulder combating the 

43 



44 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

haunch will make the haunch swing around, and if the 
horse, every time he is obliged to swing his haunches 
by the rein of opposition, feels the rider's leg on that 
side, he will begin to associate the use of the leg with the 
swinging of the haunches. 

Third Exercise. — As the horse begins to under- 
stand the meaning of the use of one leg, gradually lessen 
the use of the rein of opposition as an open rein, until 
it finally becomes a direct rein, used only to turn the head 
slightly in the new direction. As the rein of opposition, 
or open rein, is diminished, supposing it to have been the 
right rein, gradually bring into play the left rein of sup- 
port to force the fore quarters to the right in the new 
direction. As to the legs: Have both ready to main- 
tain the impulsion, and each ready to act singly in case 
the hind feet do not follow in the track of the fore feet 
in making the change of direction. The hind legs being 
the propellers, and the maximum of power being always 
desirable, for purely mechanical reasons the greatest 
power of the hind legs is obtained when they follow in 
the same path as the forelegs, during turns. 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 



45 



{Note. — The third exercise should not be undertaken 
until the horse has accomplished most of the exercises 
of Lateral Equitation, explained in following chapters.) 

Abouts, circles, figures of eight, and serpentines are 
exercises, named in order of difficulty, which may be un- 
dertaken to accomplish the same result as the above 
exercises, with greater exactness. All these exercises 
should be practiced at the walk until proficient before 
attempting them at the slow trot. The rider sits the 
blow trot. 

The r About on the Forehand at a Halt. — With 
horses that are naturally impulsive and are continually 
endeavoring to forge to the front, abouts on the forehand 
from the halt may be practiced at this stage of the train- 
ing. With horses of exaggerated impulsiveness it may 
sometimes be undertaken earlier. The exercise should 
come later for less impulsive horses. The movement 
should always be completed by moving the horse straight 
to the front. The about on the forehand should always 
be about the inside leg as a pivot, for otherwise the move- 
ment is a retrograde one and. tends to put the horse be- 
hind the bit. 



46 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

It must be understood that at this stage of training, 
that is, during lateral equitation (explained on page 50), 
the about on the forehand is not a finished movement. 
The aids to be used are: To execute an about on the 
forehand to the right ; both legs to arouse impulsion ; the 
right leg to swing the haunches ; the right rein of oppo- 
sition to assist the right leg; the left rein to assist the 
right in its second function of preventing the horse from 
moving forward. The left leg is always ready to pre- 
vent the horse from backing. 

About on the Forehand (Dismounted). — With some 
horses that are particularly difficult to teach the use of 
the leg as an aid, dismounted work may be resored to. 
Short lessons only should be given. 

Working on the left side, seize the reins six or eight 
inches from the bit in the left hand. Stand facing the 
horse and with the riding-whip touch him in rear of the 
girth where the rider's leg would ordinarily come when 
used as an aid. Increase the force of the whip, begin- 
ning with light taps, until the horse swings his haunches 
away from the whip. The left hand prevents the horse 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 47 

moving either forward or backward. If at first the 
horse fails to move his haunches, he may be assisted in 
doing so by bringing the head slightty toward the side 
of the trainer. This opposes the head to the haunches 
and assists the action of the whip. 



CHAPTER. VI. 



Outdoor Work. 

From the moment the horse will go straight ahea.l 
outdoor work is in some cases a necessity and in all cases 
to a greater or less extent desirable. 

Horses which tend to get behind the bit or which do 
not let themselves out should frequently have outside 
work alternated with hall work. The horse being grad- 
ually educated to a good free trot should be given them 
outdoors, allowing time enough between trots for the 
horse to assume norma! breathing. Outdoor work should 
take place with normal horses two days a week. 

All horses need fresh outdoor air occasionally. 

Horses that are inclined to bolt or forge ahead con- 
tinually, or those that throw most of the weight on the 
forehand, need much more hall work than outdoor work. 

Young horses especially should be given trots on 
soft ground. No horse should be galloped on hard roads. 

48 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 49 

Soft ground means turf or dirt roads, not plowed land 
or stone-built roads. The gallop is undertaken outdoors 
only when the horse can be made to lead from either foot. 

By going in pairs nervous horses do not fret while 
outdoors, as much as though alone. It is likewise bet- 
ter not to maintain a formation in ranks while outdoors, 
any more than necessary, in order to prevent the new 
horses from acquiring the habit of going in ranks and 
refusing to leave. 

During the last part of outdoor exercise the horse 
should be walked so that he is returned to the stable 
breathing normally. 



CHAPTER VII. 



SUPPUNG ExKRCISGS WITH BODY BEX!. 

Different Kinds of Equitation. — When, for example, 
the right rein and right leg are used to assist each other 
n moving the haunches, it is called lateral equitation. 
Whe'i the reins place the forehand and the legs alone 
control the hindhand, as, for example, if the left rein and 
right ieg are used, it is called diagonal equitation. 

Late ra i , Equitatio x . 

The following points should he considered during 
the exercises in lateral equitation : 

1. One step taken correctly is at first all that should 
be expected or required. 

2. As the movements are fatiguing, they should at 
no time be continued more than a few seconds. 

3. Horses that are stiff on one particular side 
should be suppled by exercises to that side. 

50 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 51 

4. The preceding rule applies to all parts of the 
horse except the neck. If the neck is stiff on the right 
side, supple it hy exercises, as ''Shoulder In" (see below). 
on the left hand. (Capt. Short.) 

5. The movements are all begun at a walk and. 
when proficient in them, are executed at a slow trot. 

6. When the movements are executed on a circle, 
where the fore quarters are on one circumference and the 
hind quarters either on a larger or a smaller circumfer- 
ence, the effect, besides being one of suppling, is as fol- 
lows: When the haunches are on a smaller circumfer- 
ence the horse tends toward collection, his hind quarters 
tend to come up under the body, and it is a good move- 
ment for a horse that forges ahead ; when the hind quart- 
ers are on a circle of greater circumference than the fore 
quarters the horse tends to be forced up into the bit and 
to stretch out behind, hence it is a useful movement with 
sluggish horses or horses that tend to get behind the bit. 

7. When executing any of the following exercises, 
if the horse fails to respond to the action of both legs 
and does not go up into the bit, cease the exercise at once 



52 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

and move straight ahead at a trot or gallop and do not 
return to the exercise until the horse is aga ; n into the bit. 

First Exercise in Suppling the Haunches. — This les- 
son consists in abouts on the forehand while marching. 
For example, marching on the right hand, leave the track 
on a diagonal (oblique) and return to it by a half turn to 
the left exacted by a very pronounced action of the left 
leg and left rein. This strongly marked lateral effect 
carries the horse's haunches to the right ; that is to say. 
the horse while still gaining ground yields to the effect 
of the leg (and left rein), and thus describes a half turn. 
The same movement is executed while marching on the 
left hand and the horse eventually swings th i haunc es 
easily about the forehand, without halting, without strik- 
ing the fetlocks, and without dancing. (Notes d' Equi- 
tation.) 

The commands for this exercise are: 

1. Right oblique. 

2. March. 

1. On forehand. 

2. Half turn in reverse. 

3. March. * . 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 



5*5 



"Half turn" and "reverse" could, in this case, be 
expressed "left half turn," but "in reverse" has partic- 
ular significance, and the terms should be retained on that 
account. 

Haunches In. — This movement is one to exact obe- 
dience to one leg while marching. It continues the sup- 
pling of the hind quarters and confirms the obedience 
to the leg. It should be undertaken only when the horse 
yields readily to the legs in previous exercises. 

Marching on the right hand, use the left rein of op- 
position and the left leg. It is sufficient if the horse 
swings his haunches to the right so that the left hind foot 
steps on a line passing through the prints of the right fore 
foot. The left rein of opposition assists the action of 
the left leg. At first one step is sufficient to demand at 
a time. Repeat the movement several times, gradually 
demanding more steps in the correct position. Never de- 
mand the movement, at any one time, over a greater dis- 
tance than the long side of the riding hall. The follow- 
ing cautions should be carefully observed: 



54, Horse Training by Modern Methods 

1. Never let the horse's body make an angle of 
more than 45 degrees with the original direction. To 
prevent this, use the inside leg. 

2. Never let the gait diminish. To prevent this, 
use both legs when necessary to demand impulsion. 

3. Do not lean to the left when moving to the right. 
The weight of the body should be slightly more upon the 
right buttock when moving to the right. 

4. Do not let the right rein be slack when moving 
to the right. 

Shoulder In. — This is a similar exercise to haunches 
in, but more difficult and more useful. 

This movement supples both forehand and hindhand. 

To execute the movement when marching on the 
right hand: 

First use the right open rein and the left rein of 
support, the fore quarters are then moved off the track 
and the head turned to the right ; the right leg is then used 
to push the mass from right to left and the left leg to 
receive the swinging of the haunches and to control the 
impulsion. 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 55 

Cautions to Be Observed: 

1. During the first lessons, after the fore quarters 
have been moved off the track, to facilitate the movement 
along the track, the outside rein may be slightly opened. 

2. The reins prevent the lateral flexion of the neck 
at the shoulders by holding the head firmly between them. 

3. The fore quarters are sufficiently removed from 
the track if the left fore foot and right hind travel along 
the same path parallel to the track. 



CHAPTER VIII 



Diagonal Equitation. 
ExErcisks with Body Straight. 
General Rules for Diagonal Equitation: 

1. Perfection is gained when the body of the hors: 
from the poll back is in a straight line. 

2. The horse's head is always turned slightly at the 
poll to enable him to see in the direction he is going. 

3. The reins set or place the forehand. 

4. The legs govern the hindhand. 

5. The green horse is never passaged directly to 
the right or left. The direction of motion should not 
be more than 45 degrees from the direction of the axis 
of the horse. 

Work on Tzvo Tracks. — This movement consists in 
displacing the horse parallel to himself in a direction ob 
lique to that of his axis, the front and hind legs describ 

56 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 57 

ing four parallel tracks. The exterior members cross 
over the interior ones. 

The following- are the aids in order to move a horse 
on two tracks to the right : 

1. Both legs, if sufficient momentum is not already 
obtained, should send the horse up into the bit to receive 
the indications of the reins. 

2. The right direct rein makes the horse look to the 
side toward which he should march, and by throwing the 
weight slightly to the right begins the displacement of 
the center of gravity towards the right.- The left rein 
of support acts at the same time as the preceding, to in- 
sure the lateral displacement of the forehand to the right 
by further displacing the center of gravity. 

3. The left leg, at this moment, becomes prepond- 
erant in order to direct the haunches to the right, while 
the right leg acts if necessary to limit the displacement 
of the haunches, and to oblige the horse to maintain his 
gait and to gain ground to the front as well as to the side. 

4. The seat is displaced towards the right to aid 
the horse's movement to that side. (De Saint-Phalle.) 



58 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

The following are exercises on two tracks: 

1. On Two Tracks, Haunches In. — A two-track 
movement along the track, with the head to the wall, in 
which the haunches move on an inside track, the horse 
heing in the positit n described above for the work on two 
tracks and being governed by similar aids. 

2. On Two Tracks, Haunches Out. — Same as above, 
except the croup is to the wall and the fore quarters move 
on an inside track, the hind quarters on the track. 

3. On Two Tracks on the Diagonal. A movement 
in which a horse moves across the hall on the diagonal 
on two tracks. 

4. On Two Tracks on a Circle. — Described by its 
name. The haunches being on a smaller or larger cir- 
cle than the fore quarters. The same principles apply 
in each case as described for work on two tracks. 

Commands. 

For First Exercise, — 1. On two tracks. 2. Haunch- 
es in. 3. March. 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 59 

For Second Exercise. — 1. On two tracks. 2. 
Haunches out. 3. March. 

For Third Exercise. — 1. On two tracks. 2. Right 
oblique. 3. March. 

For Fourth Exercise. 1. On two tracks. 2. 
Haunches in (or out). 3. March. (Foot-note to Sau- 
mur Notes.) 

About on the Forehand at a Halt. — To execute this 
movement from left to right the aids are as folows : 

1. Carry the weight of the mass over the shoulders 
by the equal action of both legs. 

2. Just the horse is about to move out, close the 
fingers on the reins and prevent further advance. 

3. Use the right rein of support to bring the weight 
upon the left shoulder. 

4. Use the left direct rein to turn the horse's head 
to the left at the poll. 

5. Use the left leg to move the haunches to the 
right. 



60 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

6. The right leg remains ready to maintain the ad- 
vanced position of the center of gravity and likewise to 
limit the movement of the haunches to that side. 

7. The seat should be carried to the right to facil- 
itate the displacement of the haunches to that side. 

About on the Haunches. — This movement is more 
difficult than the about on the forehand and should be 
undertaken only after the work on two tracks is well 
understood. 

The movement is first taught by moving the horse 
on two tracks on a small circle ; for example, to the right, 
with haunches in. 

Gradually decrease the diameter of the circle as the 
horse becomes proficient. As the circle becomes smaller 
change the direction of the rein so that the direction of 
the pull is toward the right haunche to weight the latter 
d wn. Likewise increase the pressure of the left leg un- 
til it is sufficient to prevent little by little any movement 
on the part of the haunches. The circle then is finally 
diminished so that the movement is that of a circle on 
the part of the forehand about the right hind leg as a 



Horse; Training by Modern Methods. 6i 

pivot. If the movement should be about the left hind 
leg, or outside leg, as a pivot, it becomes a retrograde 
movement, which is liable to r ut the horse behind the bit. 

The Gallop. — Heretofore the gallop has been under- 
taken merely as a means cf exercise tj strengthen and 
stretch out the hone and to teach him a little in balanc- 
ing himself by the use of his legs. No attention was 
paid at first to the leads ; later a little lateral equitation 
was used to partially insure the correct lead. 

A horse is leading correctly when the right laterals 
(right front and right hind) are in advance of the left 
laterals, when turning to the right. This is called "lead- 
ing right." A horse is galloping disunited when he is 
galloping one way in front and another way in rear. 

On small circles or sudden turns of direction a horse 
is liable to fall if not leading correctly. 

The Right Lead. — To require a horse to lead to the 
right, the aids are: 

7. Weight of the body to the left, weight in left 
stirrup in order to weight down the left haunch. 



62 Morse Training by Modern Methods. 

2. Use of the left leg to cause the haunches to be 
displaced to the right, consequently requiring the right 
lateral to pass the left. 

3. Use of the right leg to join its action to that of 
the left to give the necessary impulsion and to receive 
the haunches and prevent their being moved too far to 
the right 

The horse being driven by the legs up into the bit, 
is received by the reins in the following manner: 

4. Right rein of support exerted in a direction to- 
ward the left shoulder to weight the latter, for it must 
be slowed down ; at the same time this movement frees 
the right shoulder and allows it to extend itself. The 
horse is made to slightly turn the head to the right at 
the poll in order that he may see in the direction in which 
he is going.* 



^Note. — For paragraphs 4 and 5 the following paragraphs, 
showing a method of using the reins, may he substituted. 
This method is taught by some of the best authorities in our 
service. It certainly can be reasoned out as well as that men- 
tioned above, it is more easy to put in practice and produces 
results in a scientific manner. 

"1. Use the left direct rein to weight the left Shoulder. 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 63 

5. Left direct rein corroborates the action of the 
right and keeps the neck straight. (De Saint-Phalle.) 

6. If the gallop is taken from the trot while post- 
ing, rising with the right diagonal assists the right lead. 
Rising from the left diagonal assists the left lead. 

When perfection is attained, the horse does not per- 
ceptibly swing his haunches to the right or left. 



"2. Exert sufficient pressure on the right rein to Keep 
the head from being turned to the left, so that the horse may 
see where he is going, and at the same time raise the right 
hand slightly to assist in lightening the weight on the rfght 
shoulder, thereby assisting to free it." 



CHAPTER IX. 



Backing. 

This exercise is a suppling one for back and haunch- 
es, and is especially applicable to horses who have diffi- 
culty in bringing the hind legs under the body. It is an 
exercise which to the unskillful is dangerous, as it tends 
to put a horse behind the bit. To the skillful it is of 
course less dangerous, yet it should not be undertaken 
by either until this point in the education of the horse 
is reached, provided he be normal. With horses that are 
very difficult to hold, or are continually b king, backing 
exercises may be undertaken earlier in the training. 

The movement may be advantageously taught dis- 
mc tinted at fust. 

Teaching iJic Backzvard Movement, Dismounted. — 
The trainer stands facing the horse. He takes the reins 
one in each hand and slightly lowers the head to relieve 
the weight on the hind quarters. He then makes a slight 

64 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 65 

movement with his hands towards his own body, suffi- 
cient to prepare the horse to move forward. As the 
horse is about to move out the trainer presses directly 
toward the horse with the bit until the horse takes a step 
to the rear. One step at first is sufficient. 

After a few lessons of this, the trainer steps to the 
left side of the horse, with the reins in the left hand, the 
riding-whip in the right. He stimulates the hind quart- 
ers with a light touch of the whip, and as the horse starts 
to move his iiind quarters up under his body he urges 
him to take a step to the rear by the pressure of the bit. 
As soon as he takes a step or two as desired, he leads him 
forward. 

Mounted. — When the horse can perform the last 
exercise well, mount him. Use the aids required to 
move the horse to the front; then, just as he is about to 
move out, increase the pressure of the reins and lean 
slightly back until the horse steps to the rear. As soon 
as the horse at first has taken a single step to the rear he 
should be moved straight to the front. Later several 
steps to the rear may be required, but a movement to the 



66 Morse Training by Modern Methods. 

front always follows the last step. If difficulty is at any 
time encountered in moving the horse forward after the 
backward movement, backing should cease as an exercise 
until the horse is sent up into the bit again. 

If the horse sets himself, move him forward a step 
or two, and as he is moving exert the aids for the back- 
ward movement until he obeys. Moving a horse's 
haunches laterally will help to prevent a horse from set- 
ting himself and refusing to back. 

This exercise should not be repeated often in a sin- 
gle day. 



PART II 



CHAPTER I. 



The Double Bridle. 

The horse that can perform successfully the fore- 
going exercises, that has found his balance while moving 
forward, that is easy to control by the aids at the walk 
and trot, and that has learned the use of his legs in ac- 
complishing a good walk, trot, and gallop, is ready for 
the double bridle. It normally takes about three months 
to accomplish this. 

Definition. — The double bridle is one with usually 
four cheek straps, which fasten, one into the eye of the 
curb bit, the other into the ring of the snaffle bit. 

The curb bit is nearer the front of the horse's mouth 
than the snaffle, and the curb chain likewise passes in 
front of the snaffle bit. 

67 



68 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

The Severity of the Curb Bit Increases — 

1. With the difference between the length of the 
upper and lower branches. 

2. With the tightness of the curb chain. 

3. With the height of the port. 

4. Inversely With the size of the canons. (De 
Saint-Phalle.) 

Bits with branches similar in length to the U. S. rej- 
ulation bit are arranged below in order of mildness: 

1. The broken curb bit. (Like a snaffle bit, but 
with upper and lower branches and curb chain.) 

2. Rubber- and leather-covered bits. 

3. The straight bar bit. 

4. The regulation bit. 

Kinds. — The "Weymouth" or "Pump" bit is quite 
universally used for polo. Why it is considered effica- 
cious for polo especially is not known. It is a good bit, 
except the lips are liable to become pinched. 

The "Pelham" is a bit provided with rings for the 
snaffle rein at the junction of the canon with the branch- 
es. The action of the curb reins on this bit does not 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 69 

produce the same effect, when the snaffle reins are used 
at the same time, as it does on a curb bit, where the snaf- 
fle reins are attached to a separate snaffle bit. 

It is a general rule to follow, that all complicated 
bits are useless, and that with a well-trained horse the 
mildest bit that will insure obedience is the correct one. 

Schedule for Accustoming the Horse to the 
Curb Bit. 

The reins are held in both hands, snaffle reins out- 
side the little fingers. 

1. Use the curb bit without curb chain until the 
horse becomes accustomed to it. 

2. Use the mildest bit available and fasten the curb 
chain loosely. At first, only move on straight lines until 
the horse takes the bit quietly, then execute simple ex- 
ercises in which the horse is proficient. These exercises 
at first are begun on the snaffle bit. 

3. Use the bit best adapted to the horse, and set 
the curb chain to keep the bit from falling through. 



70 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

Work mainly on the snaffle bit until the horse becomes 
accustomed to the bit and curb chain. 

The preceding movements should be begun at first 
at a slow gait. 

Use. — The curb bit is used primarily, in training, to 
lower the head, to flex the jaw, and to bring the nose in 
towards the body. 

The snaffle bit raises the head and supports the horse. 

A curb bit will not stop a horse that makes up his 
mind to bolt. 

A curb bit roughly used may cause a horse to makj 
up his mind to bolt. 

A "hard mouth" is often a tender mouth accustomed 
to hard hands. 

The Curb Bit ''Gathers'' the Horse. — A horse is 
gathered when his head and neck are well raised, the 
front line of the face nearly vertical, and the jaw and 
the junction of the head and neck at the poll flexible. 

A horse in a state of "collection" is in a position to 
obey, to the utmost of his capability, any demands the aids 
may give. 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 71 

A horse is in "collection" when he is gathered and 
his hind legs are well up under the body. 

When a horse is collected, the rider, by having omit- 
ted bending the neck near the shoulders during training, 
has the neck firm on the shoulders and not flexible or 
"rubber-necked." Hence the rider acts on the neck 
through the mouth and on the shoulders through the 
neck. The hind quarters by being under the horse bind 
themselves to the forehand. The rider then by acting 
on the forehand acts likewise upon the hind quarters. 

The entire body of the horse should be, if properly 
collected, an energetic and harmonious whole. The 
horse is "in hand," because his jaw is flexible and he 
yields to the effects of the bit. The horse is light or 
handy, because he is balanced by continual training and 
because his center of gravity is equally near both front 
and hind quarters; hence the proper movement on the 
part of the rider will disturb this balance in any direc- 
tion desired. 

The rider at this point, being supposed to be able to 
get the hind legs up under the horse, must learn to gath- 
er him. 



12 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

To gather the horse involves: 

i. Direct flexion (the flexion of the jaw and head 
in the direction of the axis of the horse). 

2. Lateral flexion (the flexion of the neck at the 
poll in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the horse). 

Direct Flexion. — Direct flexion is the concession th? 
head and lower jaw of the horse make in the vertical 
plane of the axis of the horse when the action of the 
reins arrest the extension of the neck. The giving of the 
neck is confined to the upper portion; the front line of 
the face is made to approach a vertical line and the head 
is made to make in an almost imperceptible manner a 
movement analogous to a nod. 

The giving of the jaw consists in opening the mouth, 
causing complete abandon of the bit, followed immediate 
ly by the closing of the mouth and the taking up of con- 
tact with the bit again. 

To flex the jaw in direct flexion, first start the horse 
into a walk. Never let the gait slacken during flexion. 
Close the legs. When the horse goes up into the bit, 
close one hand on one snaffle rein I if the movement is 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 73 

done with a snaffle bit), or close the hand on both curb 
reins. Do not make the pressure of long duration if re- 
sistance is encountered. Alternate the action, first by 
releasing, then increasing the pressure. This is more 
uncomfortable to the horse than continued pressure, and 
he will soon yield. 

The head is flexed in direct flexion so that it is set 
with the front line of the face nearly vertical by the action 
of both curb reins. The head and neck are raised by the 
snaffle bit, should they be lowered too much. 

Lateral Flexion. — Lateral flexion is a concession 
which the head and neck make by turning the head to 
the right or to the left when an opposing action of the 
reins stops an extension of the neck. The jaw gives 
in lateral flexion as in direct flexion. The neck gives by 
making the head make a turn of a quarter of a circle to 
the right or left at the poll. 

Lateral flexion should be demanded, in the begin- 
ning, at the walk. To obtain it, to the right, for exam- 
ple: first, resistance must be offered by the right direct 
rein, which leads the head into the desired position; the 



74 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

left rein then acts to limit this movement and to work 
together with the right rein to obtain the concession oi 
the jaw. 

Flexion may be made dismounted, if absolutely im- 
possible of execution mounted. 

Direct Flexion Dismounted. — Stand on the near side 
of the horse. Take the snaffle reins off the neck over 
the horse's head and hold them a few inches in front of 
his head with the left hand. Urge the horse forward 
into a walk and raise the head sightly to the proper ele- 
vation with the snaffle reins : When the horse moves out 
at the walk, take the curb reins in the right hand and as- 
similate the movement of the reins as though flexing the 
jaw mounted. Do not let the horse slacken speed or, at 
any cost, back up. 

Lateral Flexion Dismounted. — Stand on the near 
side, with the snaffle rein held as for direct flexion. Ex- 
ecute direct flexion and when performed lead the horse's 
head to the right with a snaffle rein, increasing the pres- 
sure of the right curb rein slightly until the head is turned 
to the right at the poll. Do not let the horse move back- 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 75 

ward, nor let the neck flex in rear of the poll. The max- 
imum movement of the head is over an arc of a circle 
of 90 degrees. 



CHAPTER II. 



The Change of Lead at the Gallop. 

This movement is to be undertaken when the horse 
is capable of taking the desired lead from a trot on a 
straight line. 

i. Put the horse on a circle of large radius, at 
a galiop. Leave the circle by a line parallel to the diag- 
onal of the riding-hall and form another large circle to 
the opposite hand, keeping the same lead at the gallop 
as on the first circle. Galloping on the second circle with 
the same lead as on the first is galloping "false." Be- 
sides lowering the croup and balancing the horse, the 
false lead impresses the aids upon the horse, because to 
maintain a false lead the aids used- on the first circle 
must be more strongly used on the second. 

2. Gallop the horse on a straight line, leading right. 
Bring him down to a trot, previously having changed 
the aids to gallop left, which assists in bringing the horse 

76 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 77 

to Hie trot and prepares the way for the next move. As 
soon as the trot is taken, increase the aids of gallop left, 
increase the impulsion, and send the horse into gallop 
left, with only a few steps of the trot intervening be- 
tween gallops. Gradually, as the horse becomes profi- 
cient, decrease the number of steps taken at the trot. 

3. When the amount of trot required between 
changes of lead is hardly more than a slackening of 
speed, or "half halt," make a large circle to the right at 
the gallop, leading right. Leave the circle on the diag- 
onal, as before, and make another circle to the left, hold- 
ing the right lead. Change the aids, while on the second 
circle, to gallop left, without coming to the trot, and force 
the horse into the change of lead. 

4. When the horse can accomplish the above, at- 
tempt the change of aids and force the change of lead on 
the straight line without diminishing the gait. 

The above movements are very difficult to accom- 
plish smoothly and correctly. The change of aids must 
not be accomplished roughly and the aids must be used 
with only the intensity required to change the lead, there- 
by not forcing the horse to increase of speed. 



PART III 



CHAPTER I. 



Jumping. 
Jumping is an exercise which when properly under- 
taken is most instructive and productive of good results 
to both man and horse. 

Mechanism of the Jump for Height. 
(Jumping from the Gallop Left.) 
i. As the left fore foot is about to leave the ground, 
just before the moment of suspension of the gallop, the 
leg, especially the fetlock joint, is straightened. 

2. The head and neck are elevated. 
The above movement raises the forehand. 

3. Just as the left foot is raised the two hind legs 
are brought up to a place on the ground about where the 
left fore foot was. 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 79 

4. The hind legs are straightened out. 

Due to the last movement, the horse completely 
leaves the ground and takes the obstacle, with fore and 
hind legs bent. 

5. The horse lands on the left fore foot, legs 
straight. 

6. The right fore foot, leg straight, is then brought 
to the support. 

7. The left fore foot is picked up. 

8. The right fore foot is picked up and simulta- 
neously the left hind comes to the ground. 

9. The right hind comes to the ground. 

The horse then is galloping right after landing. 

The horse leaps from a trot from one front leg and 
both hind legs. The leap is more difficult, as it is im- 
possible at a trot to get both hind legs side by side up 
under the body to ''take of^7 , 

From the walk and halt, the horse in jumping first 
rears, then straightens out his hind legs. 

As jumping for height at a gallop is the easiest for 
a horse, and as the principles encountered apply equally 



8o Horse; Training by Modern Methods. 

well to the other gaits, the following deductions are made 
from the mechanism at the gallop, as explained in pre- 
vious \ aragraphs. 

From Paragraph i : As the distance from the jump 
to the place where the left leg leaves the ground is of the 
utmost importance to the horse, he should be allowed 
to gauge his stride while approaching the jump. 

From Paragraph 2: As the head and neck are 
raised to assist in raising the fore quarters, the rider's 
body should not lean forward of the perpendicular, for 
this would hinder the movement. As the horse's object 
is to lighten the fore quarters, it follows that great speed 
is a detriment to a horse in jumping, for the more speed 
the more weight upon the forehand. Raising the head 
and neck necessitates lengthening the reins at the moment 
of extension, or letting them slide through the fingers. 
It follows then, that, as a false movement of the hand 
with a severe bit causes greater injury than one with a 
snaffle bit, a snaffle bit should be used in jumping until 
proficiency is obtained. 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 8i 

From Paragraph 3 : To facilitate the bringing well 
up under the body of the hind leg, the rider's legs must 
be carried back. 

From Paragraph 5 : The weight of the rider's body 
must set to the rear to assist the horse by lightening the 
load on the forehand while landing. If a severe bit or 
a hard hand pulls the head in and bends the neck while 
the horse is in this position, by cramping the muscles of 
the neck the horse is prevented from stretching his legs 
to the front to insure a safe landing. 

From Paragraph 7: If the rider's weight is forward 
or he is thrown upon the horse's neck while the horse is 
landing, the extra weight on the forehand prevents the 
fore leg being picked up and causes over-reaching. Ex- 
treme speed has the same effect with the same result. 

From Paragraphs 8 and 9: It is seen that the horse 
is galloping with the other lead after landing. In jump- 
ing in the riding-hall care should be exercised at the cor- 
ner beyond the jump if at the gallop, for, if galloping 
correctly at the start, the horse is galloping false after 
the jump. 



82 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

Teaching the Horse to Jump. — Place a bar upon the 
ground and lead the horse over it at a walk. When the 
horse executes this movement correctly, raise the bar to 
about two feet and jump the horse upon the longe. 

To Jump a Horse on the Longe. — First instruct the 
horse sufficiently upon the longe until he goes equally 
well on either hand. Approach the jump, the horse cir- 
cling on the longe on the left hand, for instance. The 
trainer holds the longe in the left hand so that it can be 
allowed to run out with ease; the longeing-whip is held 
in the right hand. Circle the horse near the jump until 
the horse goes quietly. The circles are made slightly in 
rear of the jump. When the horse is quiet, move so that 
the jump will intercept the circle the horse is making. 
As the horse approaches the jump the trainer, with the 
longe fairly taut, likewise approaches the end of the bar 
nearest him, keeping the longeing-whip held in rear of 
the horse. Urge the horse with the whip, if necessary, 
until lie jumps. After taking off, let the longe run 
through the ringers so as not to yank the horse or bring 



Horse Training by Modern Methods. 83 

him up short. When the horse does well, stop him and 
caress him or give him carrots or oats. 

Tumping should be begun at first at the walk, then 
at the trot and gallop. The horse jumping for the first 
time gauges his stride more easily at the walk. 

A bar may be placed two or three feet from the 
ground in the opening of the corral fence, etc., so that 
the horses that have been worked at jumping on the 
longe may be thus intercepted by an easy jump on their 
way to the corral or to some such place to which they 
are desirous of going. A man with a longeing whip 
stands ready to urge on any that refuse. This jump 
should be stiff and helps to prepare horses for outdoor 
jumping. 

Riding the Horse Over the Jump. — The horse being 
able to jump with sufficient accuracy, on the longe, is 
mounted. First, he is ridden over the bar on the ground. 
then over the bar gradually raised to suit the horse. 

On taking a horse up to the jump the following are 
essential points to remember: 



84 Horse Training by Modern Methods 

1. The rider must make up his mind that he is go- 
ing to make the hor>e jump. 

2. He must have confidence in his balance and not 
stiffen his muscles. 

3. He must increase the grip with his knees and 
the calves of his legs and keep his hands low. 

4. The rider must have the horse well in hand and 
must remember that if a horse attempts to slip out to 
the left, the use of the right rein, to turn the head to the 
right, helps the horse to go to the left by freeing the left 
shoulder. The rein of support is the one which should 
be used, together with whichever leg will straighten the 
horse so that he is perpendicular to his jump. 

Horses are more easily controlled in the riding-hall, 
but jump with more freedom outdoors. Outdoor jump- 
ing should be taken up as soon as the horse learns to 
jump moderately well indoors. 

Wings are not found in 'cross-country work, hence 
a troop horse whose training is fitting him for just such 
work should not be made dependent upon them by their 
use in the riding-hall all the time. 



Horse; Training by Modern Methods. 85 

Jumping for Breadth. — This is a more difficult jump 
to teach a new horse, because he is more fearful of a 
ditch than of a fence. From the nature of the jump, it 
can only be taught outdoors. The method of instruction 
is the same as for jumping for height. 

As the momentum acquired by speed is essential to 
carry the horse's body across an open ditch, greater speed 
is necessary than in jumping for height. Excessive 
speed, however, so weights down the forehand that it 
becomes difficult for the horse to raise his forehand 
sufficiently to clear the ditch. 

CONCLUSION. 



Although all horses are different one from another, 
the preceding rules generally apply. The rider who ap- 
preciates the needs of his horse is the one most likely to 
succeed in training. 

To many, the expenditure of six months in training 
troop horses by these methods seems unnecessary and 
impracticable. With experienced men and amenable 



86 Horse Training by Modern Methods. 

boises the time may be slightly reduced. A horse can- 
not be hurried, and slipshod, careless training is often 
worse than none. 

As it has been found entirely practical to follow out 
this course with enlisted men on remounts at a regi- 
mental post, it is to be hoped that heavy, hard-gaited, un- 
comfortable horses to ride will soon disappear from the 
ranks. 



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